Victoria University Rowing Club has had another successful and spirited season, with brilliant results and an amazing turnout. This UTSNZ University Rowing Championship was a regatta to remember.

The atmosphere was filled with the classic green and gold spirit—no matter the race or the result, you could always see a Vic rower by the shore giving their all in support.

Our support throughout the regatta has created history: VURC is the first university in the competition’s history to win the Spirit Award three years in a row.

This is a testament to the people of VURC and a celebration of our community. For three consecutive years, VURC has shown what it means to be there for one’s teammates, no matter the conditions we may face.

There is also plenty to celebrate in the performances of our medalling athletes. The VURC tournament men came away with bronze in the Eight and silver in the Four—a brilliant showcase of performance.

It is worth noting that many of the tournament men had just come off a club season with WRC, demonstrating what hard work and good coaching can achieve outside the VURC season.

VURC novices also performed exceptionally well, with both squads taking bronze in the women’s and men’s novice Eights.

Considering Wellington’s rough waters, just six weeks of training, and this being their first regatta, VURC had a very impressive group of novices this season.

Although our varsity squads were unable to medal this year, their efforts on and off the water must be recognised. Many will be joining WRC, and excitement is already building for the upcoming winter season.

While the short university season has come to an end, it would be hard to find club members who did not have an exceptional experience. There were numerous social events, as well as the VURC training camp in Whanganui and its ensuing toga party.

The VURC season always ensures that the hard effort on the ergs and on the Whanganui River is rewarded and celebrated—and there’s nothing more satisfying than beating crews up at Karapiro.

With the season ending, attention now turns to the upcoming prizegiving, where standout rowers and coaches will receive the recognition they deserve. The coveted “Dog of the Year” award is also up for grabs, celebrating the rower who showed the most spirit over the season.

As always, best of luck to those at prizegiving, and a massive thank you to everyone at VURC and WRC who helped these athletes perform at their best and made the season enjoyable for all.

Iain Scotcher

VURC Vice-President

Article added: Tuesday 28 April 2026